Meet Finlandia’s Online Education Leader, Dr. Michelle Rauch

Finlandia University is pleased to welcome Dr. Michelle Rauch as its new Director of Innovative and Online Learning.

“I am extremely happy Dr. Rauch is part of our academic team,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Fredi de Yampert. “As we move further into the world of online education, Dr. Rauch’s wealth of online teaching and instructional design experience will no doubt prove invaluable to the campus community. Her enthusiasm for working with faculty to ensure their success in the online classroom demonstrates an indispensable commitment to overall student experience.”

Dr. Rauch earned her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Higher Education from Grand Canyon University. She has been in education 20 years, starting as an elementary school teacher, and for the past 14 focused on online, curriculum development and university leadership.

“Students have different ways of learning the material taught to them,” Rauch said. “Making the online world hands on and actually having students go out and do what’s in the discussion and report back to their peers – that is when the online setting becomes true collaboration.”

As director of innovative and online learning, Rauch will be leading online education efforts, a role she knows well. Rauch has had experience as an online professor since 2006 and most recently as the Associate Professor for the online programs at Arizona Christian University. A school that was ranked the number one on College Consensus’ Top Ranked Schools in Arizona.

“I attempt to serve students in the online world so they feel like they are in the classroom,” Rauch said. “I want them to have someone in the online environment so that they feel that connection and know they are not alone.”

Cross Country Move for Dr. Michelle Rauch

Rauch will be working remotely from Arizona until this upcoming summer when her and her family move to the Hancock area.

For Rauch it is the right time to leave Arizona. Now, as she turns her attention to serving Finlandia University she is eager to see growth within an online setting.

When she does move into town, Rauch will be taking advantage of the summer months to get to know the area by biking, hiking, kayaking and taking in the beauty that is the Keweenaw.

Dr. Michelle Rauch can be reached at michelle.rauch@finlandia.edu.